Although people have been trying it out for a few months now, the Cypher Systems Greenway is now officially open.

The 22-kilometre trail that links Amherstburg with Essex celebrated its grand opening last Thursday morning in McGregor. The trail, an abandoned rail line that was donated to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation (ERCF) in 2003, intersects in McGregor with the existing Chrysler Canada Greenway.

Claire Wales, ERCF vice president, credited the partnerships with donors, volunteers and contributors for making the trail a reality.

The town of Amherstburg officially made its $100,000 contribution to the Cyper Systems Greenway last Thursday morning in McGregor. The donation went to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation (ERCF) and came from the town’s 2016 surplus. From left: ERCF vice president Claire Wales, Councillor Leo Meloche, CAO John Miceli, Deputy Mayor Bart DiPasquale, Councillor and Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) chair Rick Fryer.

“We are so grateful to the Government of Canada, Cypher Systems Group, and the hundreds of corporate and individual donors who raised $1 million through our TrailON! campaign to develop this trail,” said Wales.

According to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), whom the ERCF raises funds on behalf of, Caesars Windsor made an initial contribution of $25,000 to kick off the campaign. ERCA stated that contributions of $250,000 from Cypher Systems Group, $100,000 from the Town of Essex and many other corporate and individual donations enabled the Essex Region Conservation Foundation to be approved for up to $500,000 in funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) for the trail renovation.

The Town of Amherstburg added $100,000 more by officially presenting a cheque at the grand opening. That money was part of a surplus from the town’s 2016 operations.

Brian Schwab, president of Cypher Systems Group, said the company made the investment not just as a way to give back.

The new sign for the Cypher Systems Group Greenway was also unveiled April 27.

“It’s an attempt to make our community better,” said Schwab. “We can go for walks, jogs, runs and really start to explore this area and appreciate all it has to offer. We can accomplish much and build upon the value of this area by helping to provide these types of recreational places. It really is an investment, for everyone to use and enjoy today and for future generations to come.”

Elected officials from both Amherstburg and Essex attended the grand opening with Deputy Mayor Bart DiPasquale bringing greetings from Amherstburg. DiPasquale hoped people have positive experiences and stated it’s been a long time in the making.

ERCA chair Rick Fryer, also an Amherstburg councillor, said credit for trails dates back to the late Herb Gray, whose vision saw CN and CP donated old rail lines. He said trails are helping to make the Essex region a place to come to.

“We’ve become the region to come and live in,” said Fryer, adding he also met several people on the trail while on a recent bicycle ride with one of his daughters.

Fryer added that “green spaces, trails and a healthy environment directly contribute to our region being recognized as the place for life, where people choose to live, work, visit, and invest.”

Fryer noted that “we can hop on our bikes and visit our good friends in the town of Essex,” with Essex Mayor Ron McDermott making similar remarks.

“It’s nice to know we are hooked up to Amherstburg and the rest of the region,” said McDermott.

In a press release, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Navdeep Bains stated: “Recreational activities and facilities form an essential part of every community. The Government of Canada recognizes that investments in projects like the Cypher Systems Group Greenway allow us to celebrate our heritage, improve the health of Canadians, and allow families to enjoy moments of sport, leisure and contemplation for years to come.”

The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is preparing to complete the Cypher Systems Group Greenway, with construction expected to start this summer.

Nearly 20 kilometres of multi-use trail will be constructed, stretching from Amherstburg to the urban centre of Essex, and intersecting with the existing Chrysler Canada Greenway. A small stretch has already been constructed near Essex.

“In 2015, the Essex Region Conservation Foundation was successful in meeting its $1 million target to develop the Cypher Systems Group Greenway, with support from Cypher Systems Group, the Town of Essex, Canada 150 Grant, and funds raised through its Trail ON! campaign,” explained ERCA general manager Richard Wyma. “Currently, structural analysis of bridges and culverts is under way and the tender for this project is scheduled for mid-July.”

ERCA celebrated the $1 million target being reached last October when the Cypher Systems Group gave a $250,000 “gift” and received the naming rights. The new trail will intersect with the existing Chrysler Canada Greenway.

As part of the construction process, ERCA is reminding neighbouring landowners to remove any personal items, fencing or structures from the ERCA-owned corridor.

“ERCA has owned and paid taxes on this property since 2004,” adds Kevin Money, ERCA’s director of conservation services. “As we move forward with the construction of this long awaited and much anticipated community amenity, ERCA will be reminding neighbours of property boundaries to ensure that any encroaching structures are removed prior to the commencement of construction.”

ERCA officials state that they will also be planting native trees and shrubs within two feet of the property line in some areas to improve aesthetics, biodiversity, water quality and connect core habitats. ERCA will also identify and confirm farm crossings, where property is owned on both sides of the Greenway, and ensure appropriate easements are in place for these crossings to continue.

“This is consistent with process undertaken to develop the Chrysler Canada Greenway in the late 90s, which has proved to be a remarkable success,” Money added.

“We are very excited to break ground on this project in the coming months, and look forward to working with our neighbours to ensure that construction can begin in a timely manner,” Wyma added.

Wyma added that donations are being accepted as community entrances will still have to be built. He noted that some may be constructed during the building of the trail but the Essex Region Conservation Foundation (ERCF) is still accepting donations through its “Trail ON!” program.

“There are still opportunities and we are still seeking opportunities (for donations),” said Wyma. “There will be about four or five (community entrances) along that stretch.”

The end of the trail in Amherstburg will be near the Verdi Club, though Wyma stated there is still 800m of land ERCA owns near the Detroit River. He aim is to eventually link the Cypher Systems Greenway to that waterfront portion.

“Those (waterfront) lands aren’t going to be developed right away,” he said.

Work on the trail is expected to begin in August and will last for several months. Those still wishing to donate can do so via www.ourgreenlegacy.org or by contacting Wyma at 519-776-5209.

The Essex-Amherstburg Greenway has a new name and has successfully reached its $1 million fundraising target, all thanks to a corporate sponsor.

The greenway will now by known as the Cypher Systems Group Greenway after the company gave a $250,000 “gift” to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation’s “Trail On!” campaign. The announcement was made Wednesday morning in the front foyer of the Essex Civic Centre, after rain forced the event to be moved from its originally planned outdoor location.

A photo of a new sign for the renamed Cypher Systems Group Greenway was unveiled Wednesday morning. The trail was formerly known as the Essex-Amherstburg Greenway. From left: Cypher Systems partner Stephen Savage, Essex Region Conservation Foundation executive director Richard Wyma, Cypher Systems Group president Brian Schwab and ERCF board president Susan Stockwell Andrews.

Susan Stockwell Andrews, president of the ERCF board of directors, said Cypher Systems is showing “true leadership” by making the donation.

“With this gift from Cypher Systems Group and support from the federal government, the town of Essex and many corporate and individual donations, we are pleased to announce we have reached our goal to complete the greenway,” said Stockwell Andrews. “The ‘Trail On!’ campaign has raised over $1 million!”

Stockwell Andrews added: “Green spaces, trails and a healthy environment directly contribute to our region being recognized as a place of choice for people to live, visit and invest. Trails improve the communities where they are built, which is why we are so pleased to be celebrating another success with our partners.”

Richard Wyma, ERCF executive director and general manager of the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), noted there have been many that have contributed to the “Trail On!” campaign including Caesars Windsor, Green Shield, Windsor Family Credit Union, Richard and Colleen Peddie, Windsor Cardiac Centre and those who made private donations or took part in fundraising events.

Wyma said five kilometres of trail was constructed in Essex in 2010 with almost 20 kilometres of trail left to do. He expects construction to resume in the spring and hopes it will be finished by late 2016.

“It will take some time,” said Wyma.

Despite reaching the $1 million goal, Wyma said donations are still being accepted. He said the money raised thus far will construct the actual trail, but gateways and community entrances still need to be built.

Wyma said the trail will end in the area of the Verdi Club.

“It will connect the towns of Essex and Amherstburg to a greater community trail network, including the Chrysler Canada Greenway and municipal trails,” said Wyma.

Cypher Systems Group president Brian Schwab said the company is proud to support the campaign, which encourages the public to connect with the environment and have a healthy, active lifestyle.

“Really, this isn’t giving back,” said Schwab. “It’s about building a better community.”

Schwab said Cypher Systems Group believes “initiatives like this are important to recruit and retain” residents.

The greenway was originally donated to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation in 2003 and intersects with the Chrysler Canada Greenway in McGregor. The “Trail On!” campaign began in 2012 with a $25,000 donation from Caesars Windsor.

“While we celebrate the success of the campaign, there is still more work to do,” said Wyma. “Our ‘Trail On!’ campaign will continue to raise funds for community entrances, trail amenities and long-term improvements.”

Individuals and companies interested in supporting the “Trail On!” campaign can contact ERCF development and communications coordinator Susanne Tomkins at 519-776-5209 ext. 366 or e-mail stomkins@erca.org. For more information on the trail and the ERCF, visit www.ourgreenlegacy.org.